The Small, Consistent Action

Purpose / Reason
Focus on taking one small, positive financial step each day.
Answer to: “How do I manage the fear of never recovering financially?”

How to Apply

1. Define the constraint (cash/time/risk) in one sentence.
2. List 3 smallest controllable actions (≤15 min each).
3. Do one right now; schedule the rest within 48 hours.
4. Review in 7 days; keep/cut/change one step.

How & Why It Works

• Tiny, repeatable actions compound into stability and a sense of control.

Results & Goals

• Immediate (0–72h): Panic down, priorities clear; essential bills triaged and first calls made.
• Short‑term (1–4 weeks): Cash leakage reduced, payment relief in place, income applications in flight.
• Medium‑term (1–3 months): Credit damage contained, basic needs stable, measurable savings/income uptick.

Citations / References

• CFPB — Dealing with debt & collectors
• FTC — Identity theft recovery
• Dept. of Labor — Unemployment & job seeker help
• IRS — Free File & payment plans
• FDIC — Safe banking & avoiding fees
• Mullainathan & Shafir — Scarcity